Driving the Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand Cupra today, the brands big
selling mid-sized Formentor Crossover SUV – I tested the Formentor VZ front
wheel drive powered by a lively 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder having previously
driven the VZx all-wheel drive – both offer a cracking performance and real sports
flair and are very satisfying drivers – the VZ priced at $56,990, the VZx $65,790.
Both offer steering with sharp accurate response from chassis’s that are superbly
tuned. Driver’s SUV’s in every sense, well packaged with some real points of
difference. Their seven-speed dual-clutch automatic displays some customary
hesitancy from rest but under load delivers the response you expect especially
on a fast-winding road when a lower ratio is quickly needed. While four selectable
drive modes quickly change the character and sportiness of the Formentor’s
performance. Ride and handling well sorted in a suspension package that
communicates the road surface accurately via quality Bridgestone 40-series
tyres, but the ride is decidly firm and sporty. Some aspects of its touch screen
functionality frustrate, just changing the temperature can be chore but the interior
generally is well thought out and intuitive. Tap the Formentor’s sportiness and it
can become a little thirsty, up to 9L/100 with the need for 95 RON petrol. I’m David
Berthon

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